CN101536374B - Method for enjoying broadcast communication service through different electronic devices - Google Patents

Abstract

A home electronic device can use permission information to receive a broadcast communication service and enjoy it; the permission information can charge for the enjoyment. A mobile phone terminal is associated with a user card storing user permission information. According to the method of the present invention, when the mobile phone terminal is located near the home electronic device, at least the user permission information is transmitted from the mobile phone terminal to the home electronic device, the transmitted information is stored in the home electronic device, and the broadcast communication service is received and enjoyed using the transmitted information.

Description

Method for enjoying broadcast communication service through different electronic devices

technical field

The present invention relates to a method for enjoying broadcast communication services through different electronic devices. the

Background technique

Today, communication services such as television programs are broadcast through different channels. For example, the same program can be broadcast over a dedicated cable connection, over an Internet connection, over a terrestrial radio link, over a satellite radio link, over a mobile phone network. The term "broadcast" generally refers to the distribution of audio and/or video signals (programmes) to several receivers belonging to a large group, and thus may include other similar techniques, eg multicast transmission. the

A user may be interested in enjoying a broadcast-like communication service through different channels, for example watching a football match through his satellite receiver when he is at home and through his mobile phone when he is away from home. It is worth noting that, generally speaking, a specific electronic device can only receive broadcast communication services through one channel. In this case, the user typically requires various subscriptions (even for the same service provider) in order to be able to enjoy and pay for the same or similar services. the

This is rather cumbersome as many reservations are required and many bills to be issued and paid. the

It should be noted that, in general, a specific electronic device can only receive broadcast communication services through one channel. the

In addition, a mobile user may be interested in enjoying the same broadcasted communication service through different (usually similar) electronic devices, for example, through his satellite receiver when he is at home, and through a hotel's mobile phone when he is traveling. Satellite receiver to watch football games. Even having different subscriptions may not be enough in this case. the

From patent application US20050130585 is known a Subscriber Identity System (SIS) comprising a Subscriber Mobile Identity Component (SMIC) and a Video Security Component (VSC) so that both cellular and video communication services can be authenticated. A Subscriber Identification System (SIS) in the form of a card is installed in a Personal Base Station (PBS), which works as a base station but within a personal environment, and transmits content such as video to mobile devices. Alternatively, a Subscriber Identity System (SIS) in the form of a card is installed directly in the mobile device providing both services. the

Contents of the invention

The applicant notes that in the solution according to US20050130585, the Subscriber Identification System (SIS) card integrates two cards permanently storing full identification and authentication information for both services. the

As mentioned above, the applicant has noticed that users have needs to enjoy the same or similar broadcast communication services (usually TV programs) through different electronic devices. the

In addition, the applicant has also noticed that users also have needs to customize these services in the same or similar manner. the

Billing for these services should be safe and reliable; this is especially important when electronic devices are used by different users, and even more important when they are located in public places, eg hotels or airplanes. the

The present invention aims to satisfy at least some of these needs. the

The applicant considers holding a smart card for transmitting user authority information stored therein to electronic devices so that they can use it to autonomously receive and enjoy broadcasted communication services with respect to the smart card. In this way, the same or similar broadcast communication service can be enjoyed through different electronic devices due to a single smart card (ie, a single subscription and a single billing and payment process). the

Any information enabling the establishment of an electronic device for broadcast reception is represented by user rights information, whether or not the enjoyment of the received communication service, such as a television program, is permitted, in other words, whether or not the user has the right to enjoy this service because it is Free, either because he has already paid the fee, or because he is paying the fee (just provided eg his credit card number to the service provider), or because he is contractually bound to pay. For example, it could be at least one specific service identification (suitably encoded), at least one decryption key associated with the specific service, credit information associated with or not associated with the specific service, time associated with or not associated with the specific service Validity, user or subscription identity (encoded appropriately), or a combination thereof. the

Typically, this smart card, called the "master card" or user card, is installed in a mobile telephone terminal such as a cell phone. the

Preferably, the user rights information is transferred to another smart card, called a "slave card" or device card, typically installed in a home electronic device such as a set top box television receiver. the

In the following description, the term "home electronic device" generally refers to an electronic device capable of receiving broadcast communication services, and specifically, the use of the device at home is only an example, not a limitation. the

Preferably, the present invention transmits, in particular from the master card to the slave card, not only user authorization information, but also user preference information and/or applications and/or application commands. the

Using a secure wireless technology such as ZigBee ^(TM) , communication between two smart cards can be direct, reliable and secure. In this way, the security of user authority information is improved, because the source of transmission is safe, it can be a security module realized by a smart card, and the destination of transmission is safe, it can be a security module realized by a smart card, And the communication (or transmission) channel is also secure. The term "smart card" here generally refers to a card having, for example, processing functions, preferably tamper-resistant features, such as a secure cryptographic processor and a secure file system.

According to a first aspect, the present invention provides a method for enjoying a broadcast communication service, comprising the following steps:

A) Provide an electronic device capable of receiving broadcast communication services using user authority information and enjoying it,

B) providing a mobile phone terminal,

C) associating the user card that has stored the user authority information with the mobile phone terminal,

D) when the mobile phone terminal is located in the vicinity of the electronic device, at least transmitting the user authority information from the mobile phone terminal to the electronic device,

E) storing the transmitted information in said electronic device, and

F) Receive and enjoy broadcasted communication services using the transmitted information. 2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising the steps of:

G) Associating the device card with the electronic device. the

Preferably, the transmitted information is stored in the device card, and the transmission of step D is directly performed between the user card and the device card. the

Preferably, the method further comprises the following steps:

H) The electronic device is provided with a radio proximity detector associated to a radio coverage space and adapted to detect mobile telephone terminals when located within the radio coverage space. the

Preferably, step D is for wireless transmission. the

Preferably, the user card includes a radio communication unit for communicating with the electronic device. the

Preferably, the user card and the device card each comprise a radio communication unit for communicating with each other. the

Preferably, the radio communication unit operates via ZigBee ^(TM) technology.

Preferably, the electronic device is a television receiver. the

Preferably, the method further comprises the following steps:

I) Delete or disable transmitted information when the mobile phone terminal is not in the vicinity of the electronic device. the

Preferably, the step I is performed when the mobile phone terminal is located outside the radio coverage space of the radio proximity detector of the electronic device. the

Preferably, the user rights information includes one or more decryption keys and/or user identity and/or user credit and/or user legitimacy. the

Preferably, the user rights information is transmitted indirectly from the mobile phone terminal to the electronic device, in particular, through a communication network. the

Preferably, step D is also used to transmit user preference information. the

Preferably, step D is also used to transfer the application. the

Preferably, step D is used to transmit the application program command to the application program running in the electronic device. the

Preferably, the broadcasted communication service is a broadcasted television program, and both the electronic device and the mobile phone terminal simultaneously enjoy the same broadcasted communication service. the

Preferably, the method further comprises the following steps:

L) Establishing a return channel from the electronic device to the broadcast service provider, wherein the return channel path includes at least a user card associated with the mobile phone terminal, the mobile phone terminal, and a mobile phone network. the

Preferably, the return channel path further includes a device card associated with the electronic device. the

According to a second aspect, the present invention provides a smart card that can be associated with a local electronic device, wherein user rights information is stored and includes a configuration block adapted to transmit the stored user rights information to a remote electronic device for broadcast reception, transmitting The information of is suitable and sufficient for use by the remote electronic device to autonomously enjoy the broadcasted communication service with respect to the smart card associated with the local electronic device. the

Preferably, the configuration block is adapted to transmit stored user rights information to a smart card associated with the remote electronic device and/or may also transmit user preference information to the remote electronic device. the

Preferably, the smart card comprises a programming block capable of transmitting an application program to the remote electronic device and/or a control block adapted to transmit application program commands to the remote electronic device. the

Preferably, the smart card includes a radio communication unit for wireless communication. the

Preferably, the smart card includes a radio proximity detector associated to a radio coverage space adapted to detect a remote electronic device when located within said radio coverage space. the

Preferably, the smart card includes at least an operator network authentication function of the telephone subscriber module. the

Preferably, the smart card is adapted to be associated with a local home electronic device for broadcast reception, including a configuration block adapted to receive and store user authorization information from the remote electronic device, the configuration block being adapted to use the received information to allow the local home electronic Electronic equipment uses remote electronic equipment to independently enjoy broadcast communication services. the

Preferably, the configuration block is adapted to receive and store user authorization information from a smart card associated with the remote electronic device. the

Preferably, the configuration block is adapted to also receive user preference information from the remote electronic device. the

Preferably, the smart card includes a programming block adapted to receive an application program from a remote electronic device. the

Preferably, the smart card includes a control block adapted to receive application program commands from a remote electronic device. the

Preferably, the smart card can transmit received applications and/or received commands to an associated local electronic device. the

Preferably, the smart card includes a radio communication unit for wireless communication. the

Preferably, the smart card includes a radio proximity detector associated to a radio coverage space adapted to detect a remote electronic device when located within said radio coverage space. the

Preferably, the smart card includes functions of TV smart card user authority verification and video stream key generation. the

Description of drawings

The present invention will become more apparent from the following description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 schematically shows a system according to the present invention,

Figure 2 shows a schematic block diagram of a portion of the system of Figure 1,

Figure 3 shows a possible split of the software in the smart card according to the invention, and

Figure 4 shows a possible software architecture of a security application in a smart card according to the invention. the

It should be understood that the following description and drawings should not be construed as limiting the present invention, but as exemplary only. the

Detailed ways

In FIG. 1 , the overall system is indicated by reference numeral 100 . System 100 includes:

The telecommunication network 110, for example, the 2G/3G network of Telecom Italia;

A mobile phone terminal 120, for example, a DVB-H [Digital Video Broadcasting——Handheld, Digital Video Broadcasting-Handheld] technology mobile phone for exchanging telephone calls and for receiving television programs;

A first smart card 130, in particular a "master" card with an integrated radio communication unit;

A home electronic device 150, for example, a set-top television receiver capable of receiving communication services broadcast via any suitable technology (in Figure 1 an ordinary television is shown connected to a set-top television receiver 150, obviously, with respect to DVH-B mobile phone, not drawn to scale);

A second smart card 140, in particular a "slave" card with an integrated radio communication unit; and

• TV broadcast player 160 . the

In order to simplify the description of the present invention, the scene shown in FIG. 1 is simplified to its minimum, namely, a mobile phone terminal and a home electronic device. Anyway, in general, there can be many home electronic devices; in fact, as explained earlier, mobile users have the need to use the same or similar broadcast communication services through different home electronic devices. In general, there may be a plurality of home electronic devices and a plurality of mobile phone terminals. the

Smart cards 130 and 140 may have, for example, the architecture and internal operations disclosed in patent applications WO2005104584 and WO2006056220 of the same applicant; functionality implemented in additional firmware). the

In the embodiment of Fig. 1, smart card 130 has all the functions of SIM [Subscriber Identity Module] card and the additional function that will be described below; Stream key generation, with additional functionality described below. the

The radio communication units of the smart cards 130 and 140 are of the (relatively) short-range type; in other words, suitable for so-called WPAN [Wireless Personal Area Network] applications; for example, they use the ZigBee ^™ standard technology. This technique is particularly suitable for the present invention because the type of information the smart card transmits and receives is secret. Alternatively, these radio communication units may use Bluetooth ^™ standard technology. These techniques can be used for wireless proximity detectors that can be programmed to associate with radio coverage spaces.

The smart card 130, like any SIM card, stores user identification information; for GSM, the identification information includes an IMSI [International Mobile Subscriber Identity] code, strictly for identification, and a KI [Individual Subscriber Authentication Key] key, Used for authentication. the

In general, smart card 130 stores user rights information for being able to enjoy one or more broadcast communication services; paid users. the

The user rights information can be stored in the SIM card 130, for example, directly by the service provider or through an agent of the service provider; for example, it can be passed through the mobile telecommunications network, i.e., via a wireless connection, or by a specific device in a store, i.e., via a wired connection. connection to store it. the

As previously mentioned, user rights information may be at least one specific service identification (suitably encoded), at least one decryption key associated with a specific service, credit card information associated with or not associated with a specific service, associated with or not A time validity, user or subscription identity (encoded as appropriate), or a combination thereof, associated to a particular service. the

Smart card 140, like any TV smart card, enables enjoyment of broadcast TV programs, including decryption if necessary. the

According to the invention, "master" and "slave" functions are defined:

Primary: associated to the user's smart card, inserted into the mobile phone terminal; and

● Slave: A smart card associated to a device, inserted into a home electronic device, can be configured and programmed by the master card. the

In the embodiment of Fig. 1, such configuration and programming is carried out via the proximity radio communication channel 30 implemented by the radio communication units of the two smart cards. the

In the embodiment of FIG. 1 , the secondary card 140 may be configured by the primary card 130 with respect to user rights and user preferences. The slave card 140 may be configured by the master card 130 with respect to applications that are typically to be run in the associated home electronic device. The master card 140 can also query the slave card 130 about the functions that the device to which the slave card 130 is associated can derive; in this case, for example, the mobile phone terminal 120, through the master card 130, can remotely control and/or Or execute an application program resident in the home electronic device 150 . the

The system 100 of FIG. 1 includes three radio communication channels. The first is the proximity (or short range) radio channel 30, which is the radio channel between cards 130 and 140. The second is a wide range radio channel between the network 110 and the mobile telephone terminal 120, denoted by reference 10. The third is a broadcast channel between the player 160 and the home electronic device 150 (typically via any broadcast television network), indicated at 20 . It is worth noting that although the channel between the network and the mobile phone terminal must be of the radio type, the communication channel between the player and the home electronic device may also be of the wired type (based on, for example, cables or optical fibers) or wireless ( That is, radio, eg terrestrial radio or satellite radio) type, or may even be a hybrid type. Also, it must be remembered that services such as television programs can also be broadcast over the Internet. the

The master card 130 and the slave card 140 are respectively connected to the mobile phone terminal 120 and the home electronic device 150 through a communication interface, for example, both through a known ISO7816 standard interface. For clarity, the two communication interfaces are denoted by two different labels, 40 and 50; in fact, in general, they may be different and/or conform to proprietary specifications; this applies in particular to the slave card 140 and the interface 50 between the device 150. the

According to the above description, the system 100 has two smart cards 130 and 140, each smart card implementing a security module. the

Alternatively, one or both of them can be implemented via an SDIO [Secure Digital Input/Output] card or a USB [Universal Serial Bus] dongle and a corresponding interface in the device; this solution is particularly suitable for home electronics equipment. According to a preferred implementation of this alternative, this SDIO card/USB dongle has an integrated proximity radio communication unit, preferably with the features described above, ie using ZigBee ^™ or BlueTooth ^™ technology.

Anyway, in practice it is possible for the security module and/or the associated proximity radio communication unit to be integrated in the device; this solution is particularly suitable for home electronics. Even in this case, the two preferred communication technologies are ZigBee ^™ or BlueTooth ^™ .

No matter what implementation method the security module adopts, the corresponding hardware architecture and software architecture may be very similar or even completely the same. the

The components of the system 100 interact appropriately with each other, in this way, the user can enjoy the communication service utilizing the network 110 and the player 160 broadcast; The electronic device 150, especially the subordinate card 140), the mobile phone terminal 120 and the home electronic device 150 will finally provide the service to the user. the

The mobile phone terminal 120 and the home electronic device 150 provide services to users according to their own functions and utilize the same user authority information; in the first case, they are permanently stored locally, and in the second case, they are received from outside. And usually stored locally in a volatile fashion. In order to achieve the above purposes, the home electronic device 150 may require different kinds of user rights information; all such information is usually stored in the user card, for example, the SIM card, while in the embodiment of FIG. 1, it is stored in the main card 130 , and is transmitted to the slave card 140 through the proximity wireless communication channel 30 . With regard to the mobile telephone terminal 120, it generally stores this information in the user's profile in the SIM card, is available locally and is designed to use this information during its operation. the

The home electronic device 150 can customize the services provided to the user; for this, it needs user preference information; the user preference information is usually stored in the user card, for example, in the SIM card, and in the embodiment of FIG. 1, it is stored in the in the master card 130 and transmit to the slave card 140 through the proximity wireless communication channel 30 . With regard to the mobile telephone terminal 120, generally, it stores this additional information in the user's profile in the SIM card, is available locally and is designed to use this additional information during its operation. the

It should be understood that the mobile phone terminal transmits user information when it is located in the vicinity of a household electronic device, more specifically when it enters its radio coverage space. The transmitted user information is stored into the home electronic device, in particular into the associated secondary card 140 , to be used thereafter one or more times by the home electronic device for use and/or to provide services separately from the main card 130 . Such storage may be temporary or permanent; in the temporary case, storage may be initiated when the mobile telephone terminal comes into the vicinity of the home electronic device, more specifically when it enters its coverage space, and When the mobile phone terminal moves away from the home electronic equipment, more specifically, when it leaves its coverage space, it may end; the end of storage may correspond to the deletion of the transmitted information from the storage device, or to its being disabled (for example, mark stored information as inaccessible or unusable). the

It should be noted that in the embodiment of Fig. 1, the transmission of information is carried out directly between the two smart cards; however, in alternative embodiments, the transmission of information between the two smart cards can be done through the mobile phone terminal and a home electronic device, for example, by direct communication between a mobile phone terminal and a home electronic device. the

An example is provided below to illustrate the configuration process. the

For example, suppose you have a set-top television receiver connected to a satellite dish and a television. In order to send certain received TV programs (i.e. not free-to-air) to the TV to display them on its screen, the set-top box needs information about the user (identity, decryption key, ...); this is usually done via This is done by inserting the TV smart card into the set-top box. the

According to the prior art, in order to manage a single subscription, the mobile user has to carry his TV smart card with him and insert it in the set-top TV receiver at his location before the particular program of interest and withdraw it after this program; If all set top box TV receivers are the same from a smart card point of view, or at least compatible, then this might be suitable. Anyway, if the user needs to watch this particular TV show on his mobile phone, he will need a different subscription. the

The present invention allows to temporarily put the user information of the master card 130 retained in the mobile phone, especially the user authority information, temporarily on the slave card 140 installed in the set-top box television receiver, so that the television receiver can provide the user with television programs, There is no need to remove any cards; this casting is performed via the proximity radio communication channel 30 . Typically, such delivery begins when the mobile phone 120 and associated master card 130 enters the radio coverage space of the slave card 140, and continues for the coverage time, when the mobile phone 120 and associated master card 130 leaves the radio coverage of the slave card 140 Space ends. the

Since the communication between the two security modules is carried out through a secure channel (implemented by ZigBee ^TM wireless technology), the security of user rights information is fully guaranteed, ie, no misuse will occur. Specifically, the security of the channel can be guaranteed by encrypting data packets on the radio link at the physical layer. Such encryption can be obtained, for example, by symmetric keys pre-distributed to the security module, or by session keys dynamically generated from digital certificates.

Since the card is not extracted from any device, in principle, both devices can be used at the same time; this is useful when the user is watching a TV program on his mobile phone on the train and his son is watching the same TV program at home on the TV of. Anyway, this is a matter of service policy on the one hand, and technical constraints on the other; in fact, in the example of Figure 1, the broadcast service provider should be able to handle two different devices associated to the same user at the same time . A relatively simple solution is that the master card that has already placed its user authority information on the subordinate cards can no longer use its user authority information until the end of the delivery. the

In the example described, the slave cards are temporary placements of the master card; in other words, the master card configures the slave cards. the

Such placement/configuration can apply to all functions performed by the slave cards or only to some of them; in the latter case, the slave cards perform certain functions, whether in the vicinity of the master card or not. An example of this feature is as follows: a person goes to visit a friend with his mobile phone, which has a SIM card according to the invention and stores the person's subscription information; the friend has a set-top box television receiver with a smart card of the present invention, and stored the friend's subscription information; when the mobile phone is located near the television receiver, the master card of the mobile phone configures the slave card of the television receiver (for example, assuming that the person agrees to such programming); From then on, any TV connected to the STB TV receiver will be able to show all the programs allowed by both subscriptions; once the mobile phone is away, the STB TV receiver will be able to broadcast only the programs allowed by the friend's subscription. the

It can be stipulated that the master card does not release all configuration information (user rights and preference information) but only those configuration information that are likely to be useful or necessary for household electronic devices associated with the slave card. the

Rights information (communication service connected to broadcast) can be permanently transferred from a first person's mobile phone terminal to a second person's home electronic device using the method according to the invention. This is useful for selling permissions; in this case, the first person is the owner of the store and the second person is a customer of the store. This is also useful for gift giving; in this case, the second person is a friend of the first person. In both cases, the rights stored in the terminal associated to the mobile phone are deleted or disabled after being transferred to the smart card associated to the home electronic device. the

Preferably, the invention provides that the master card not only configures the slave card, but also programs the slave card; this can be used to add (i.e. store) other applications ( Therefore, functionality is also added). the

Preferably, the present invention stipulates that the mobile phone terminal can remotely control and/or use the functions of the household electronic equipment through the connection of the master card and the slave card. A typical application of this feature is using a mobile phone as a remote control for a set-top box television receiver. the

As shown in the embodiment of Figure 2, master card 130 is capable of configuring slave card 140 (arrow 341), programming it (arrow 342) and sending commands to it (arrow 343). the

The main card middleware stack consists of an application manager 300 which manages a local (for card) application 340 and external (for card) applications 360 and 370 usually located on the mobile phone terminal 120; application 360 The applications 370 interact directly with the application manager 300 , while the applications 370 interact indirectly with the application manager 300 through the internal (for the card) application layer 350 . the

Application requests in the mobile phone terminal 120 can be converted in different processes managed by three specific blocks 310 , 320 , 330 in the main card 130 . The first block is a configuration transmitter block 310 adapted to transfer user information (eg identification and/or rights and/or credits and/or preferences) from the master card to the slave card. The second block is the program transmitter block 320, which is adapted to transfer the application program from the master card to the slave card. The third block is the command sender block 330, which is adapted to send commands, usually application commands, from the master card to the slave card; the third block can also be adapted to receive replies to these commands, which is why arrow 343 is two-way. the

Arrows 341 , 342 , 343 represent the data flow between the mobile phone 120 and the home electronic device 150 , more specifically between the master card 130 and the slave card 140 . Preferably, these data streams are implemented via a proximity radio communication channel 30 based on ZigBee ^™ technology.

In the home electronic device 150, specifically in the associated slave card 140, there are three blocks corresponding to the above-mentioned blocks in the master card 130, namely the configuration receiver block 410, the program receiver block 420 and command receiver block 430 . In the slave card 140 there is also an application manager 400 managing applications; in the home electronic device 150 associated to the card 140 one or more applications 460 can interact with the application manager 400 . the

The application 460 in the home electronic device 150 may be added and/or upgraded through the programming process implemented in the embodiment of FIG. 2 (essentially through blocks 320 and 420). This also applies to applications stored in slave card 140 . the

The programming process can imply permanent or temporary transfer/storage of the application program. The first case is useful, for example, for upgrading applications (in the slave card and/or the home electronic device), and the second case is useful for temporarily increasing the availability of applications to be run in the home electronic device near the master card. Amount and/or function are useful. It is worth noting that the information necessary for the upgrade may be received by the main card from the outside (eg, the telecommunications network 110). the

In principle, the command procedure can be used by any application in the main card 130 (ie application 340) or in the mobile phone terminal 120 (ie applications 360 and 370). This function is useful when an application in the mobile phone terminal 120, especially in the associated master card 130, needs to communicate/interact with an application in the home electronic device 150, especially in the associated slave card 140 ; this is often the case for remote control of applications. the

As previously stated, the communication channel between blocks 330 and 430 is bi-directional, since each command is followed by an acknowledgment, eg, an acknowledgment that the command has been received or executed correctly. the

Specific commands may be provided that allow new applications (e.g., applications 340 and/or 350 and/or 360 and/or 370) to be downloaded from slave card 140 to master card 130; The data flow of the master card 130 does not consist of simple acknowledgments. In general, applications may be transferred from the office electronic device, and/or from an associated slave card to (and thereafter, stored in) a telephone terminal device and/or an associated master card, via one or more smart cards. the

The communication between the master card 130 and the slave card 140, ie the communication channel 30, may be of encrypted type. In the case of ZigBee ^™ technology, the encryption is at the physical layer; in general, using known technologies, there is always the possibility of implementing a secure channel between two cards at the application layer.

It is worth noting that the term "master" does not necessarily refer to the entity that initiates the communication with the "slave"; the slave card may first send a message to the master card requesting information, and the master card may respond by transmitting the requested information. For example, an application running in a home electronic device associated to a secondary card can issue a request for credentials/keys; if the secondary card has received these credentials/keys from the primary card, the application will use them to log in, otherwise , the application will send a request message using the slave card to any mobile phone terminal (associated to the master card) located in its vicinity and will wait for a reply. the

In the case of remote control of the application program, the implementation of the dialogue between the master card 130 and the slave card 140 can be, for example, as follows:

1) master card 130 uses block 330 to send "connection" command to slave card 140, so that communication channel is established;

2) slave card 140 uses block 430 to send "connection success" reply to confirm receipt of command;

3) master card 130 uses block 330 to send "remote control application program request" command, to check the specific application program on the slave card 140;

4) slave card 140 uses block 430 to send "the application program is available" reply to confirm receipt of the command;

5) master card 130 uses block 330 to send remote command to slave card 140 (specifically, to the application program to be controlled);

6) slave card 140 uses block 430 to send the confirmation reply of each executed command;

7) At the end of the application program, the master card 130 sends a "detach" command to the slave card 140 using block 330 in order to release the application program; and

8) Slave card 140 sends a "detach successful" reply using block 430 to acknowledge receipt of the command. the

As shown in FIG. 3 , from a software point of view, the master card 130 and the slave card 140 can be divided into two parts. The first part is the adjacent radio software layers 130B and 140B, and the second part is the application software layers 130A and 140A. The two layers are connected by internal communication channels 60 and 70, which can be physical or logical depending on the card implementation. Preferably, the invention allows separation of the application layer from the radio layer, so that software development can be independent. the

Separation can be achieved by defining a common interface between the application layer and the radio layer as follows:

● "Activate": activate radio layer communication

● "Send": send a command/reply to another card through the adjacent radio channel

● "Receive": Receive reply/command from another card via adjacent radio channel

● "Control": send control/configuration commands to the radio layer

● "Disabled": Disable the radio layer

The above functions can build the firmware architecture described before and transmit specific commands. the

From the perspective of the radio layer, there are two kinds of commands from the application layer: "to pass" (PAS) and "to parse" (PAR). the

Referring to FIG. 3, the PAS command is transmitted directly to another card through the radio layer 130B without parsing; the PAR command is parsed and executed at the radio layer 130B. the

The PAR and PAS concepts can also be applied to functions, ie, a set of commands. Only the following combinations are allowed:

The PAS function transmits the PAR command;

The PAS function transmits the PAS command;

The PAR function transmits the PAR command;

PAR functions are not allowed to transmit PAS commands. the

"Activate" is a PAR function, and transmits a PAR command for the radio layer 130B. The command is actually parsed and executed at the radio layer 130B which is ready to perform radio operations. the

"Send" is the PAS function. It is capable of transmitting both PAR and PAS commands. In the first case (PAR), the transmitted command is sent from the application layer 130A to the radio layer 140B. The command is then parsed and executed at the radio layer. This is useful for remote configuration of the radio layer, eg setting the radio power of the slave card 140 from the application layer of the master card 130 . In the second case (PAS), the transmitted command is sent from the application layer 130A to the application layer 140A. The command is parsed and executed from the application layer, for example, to display the next image of a laptop presentation. the

"Receive" is a PAS function and transmits a PAS command. This is a callback function generated eg at the application layer of the slave card 140 after the master card "Send" function with the PAS command. the

It should be noted that the "Send" and "Receive" functions can be activated with a distance limit. For example, the ZigBee ^TM standard allows defining the range of proximity transmissions so that proximity services can be created/allowed depending on the distance between master and slave cards. This feature is useful to avoid interference between multiple devices (receivers and/or phones) located, for example, in adjacent apartments.

"Control" is the PAR function and transmits the PAR command. This is used to set or acquire wireless parameters related to the radio layer 130B from the application layer 130A. the

"Deactivate" is a PAR function, and transmits a PAR command of the radio layer 130B. The commands are actually parsed and executed at the radio layer 130B, which is turned off. the

The "Activate" and "Deactivate" functions are useful for minimizing power consumption. For example, in the case of ZigBee ^™ technology, these functions are used synchronously so that the slave card can only receive commands from the master card when sending commands. The master and slave cards activate the radio only at the beginning (when initializing the communication channel) of the configured specific time slots.

The above functions can be used to achieve the situation described earlier. When remotely controlling an application, for example, the following operations can be implemented:

● "Activate": execute connection operation,

● "Control": Check remote control app availability,

● "Send": send a remote command (for example, "next channel", "previous channel", "volume up", "volume down", etc.),

● "Deactivate": Detach the remote control application. the

It is worth noting that, in order to simplify the description of the common interface, the main card, that is, the smart card associated with the mobile phone terminal and the user, is regarded as the communication initiator when describing the above functions; limits. the

An important feature of the present invention is the management of user rights to enjoy broadcast content. In this regard, FIG. 4 shows the security application in the master card 130 (i.e., SIM card with integrated radio communication unit) and in the slave card 140 (i.e., TV smart card with integrated radio communication unit). Software Architecture. the

In order to protect broadcast content and manage user rights, content access systems or CAS are usually based on SIM (for mobile phone terminals such as mobile phones) or TV smart cards (for home electronic devices such as set-top boxes and television receivers) realized in. CAS basically consists of a security application executing within the smart card and a complementary application executing within the terminal or device that communicates with the security application to retrieve the video broadcasting key that allows the decryption of the audio/video stream. the

Through the principles described in this invention, a master card, such as 130, and a slave card, such as 140, can be used to protect broadcast content and manage user rights. As shown in Figure 4, the security applications in the master card and slave card can be divided into three parts:

●Safety application core 500 (for master card) and 530 (for slave card);

The authority database 510 (for the main card) and 540 (for the subordinate card);

• Rights transfer module 520 (for master card) and 550 (for slave card). the

It is worth noting that the use of secure application cores and rights databases in TV smart cards is known and common for these types of applications. What is completely new is the idea of transferring permissions, and therefore the existence of blocks 520 and 550 in smart cards 130 and 140 respectively. the

When the CAS is the same for both the mobile phone terminal and the home electronic device, authority transfer can be easily and directly performed by using the proximity radio communication channel (30 in the figure). the

Specifically, two cases can be considered. the

In the first case, the owner of the mobile phone terminal wishes to transfer certain rights to the home electronic device. From a Graphical User Interface [GUI] on a terminal, the user identifies nearby devices and decides to send certain rights of his choice (e.g., through the same GUI), e.g. the right to watch a movie. The rights transfer unit 520 searches the selected rights on the mobile terminal rights database 510 and transfers them to the complementary block 550 through the adjacent channel 30 . Block 550 stores the new rights in the device's rights database 540 so that the owner of the device can watch the movie over the broadcast channel associated to the device. In this case, we're talking about a "push" permission transfer. the

In the second case, the owner of a home electronic device attempts to watch certain unbooked events. The device tries to send a permission request to the neighboring primary card (when present). If the master card is able to give the requested authority, block 510 sends it to block 550 after confirmation by the user on the mobile phone terminal, as in the previous case. In this case, we're talking about a "pull" permission transfer. the

When the CAS in the master differs from the CAS in the slave, it is difficult to manage authority transfer locally (i.e., over a proximity radio communication channel) because of protocol, database authority, and structure mismatches, possibly proprietary to the CAS vendor. the

In this case, blocks 520 and 550 may only be used to select the rights to transfer. Actual transmissions may take place over the network 110 . Specifically, after selecting the rights to be transferred, the master card communicates with the network 110 through the mobile phone terminal, and the owner of the master card gives certain rights to the owners of the slave cards. Network 110 updates the rights in a remote rights database (which is a common feature of architectures for managing rights to broadcast content) and communicates with player 160 that certain rights on slave cards must utilize the rights update process (which is a common feature of architectures for managing rights to broadcast content). A common feature of broadcast content purchase process), update via the broadcast channel 20 of the device 150. The owner of the master card may correspond to the slave card. By using the coupling of master and slave cards, rights can be upgraded/transferred without using an external process, eg, a call to a call center to request purchase or renewal of rights. the

In general, the invention allows easy management of user subscriptions, their billing and renewal/purchase of entitlements. the

According to the present invention, a return channel from a television receiver (eg, set-top box television receiver 150 ) to a broadcast service provider can preferably be implemented using and through a smart card. In fact, a smart card (e.g. 140) associated to a television receiver (e.g. 150) can send commands to a smart card (e.g. 130) associated to a mobile phone terminal (e.g. 120), and the mobile phone terminal (e.g. 120) Information may be sent to a broadcast service provider over a mobile telecommunications network (eg, network 110). Such a return channel is practical to implement since no further connection to the television receiver is required. the

Although the present invention is primarily concerned with methods, one important aspect concerns smart cards, in particular master or user cards and slave or device cards. In the following, their main technical features will be described. the

Generally speaking, according to the present invention, the main card (for example, 130) is a smart card suitable for being associated with a local electronic device (for example, 120), specifically a mobile phone terminal; it stores at least user authorization information and includes a configuration block (e.g., 310) adapted to transmit stored user rights information to a remote electronic device (e.g., 150) for broadcast reception, in particular to a smart card (e.g., 140) associated with the remote electronic device ; The transmitted information is suitable and sufficient for use by the remote electronic device in order to autonomously enjoy the broadcast communication service. the

The configuration block (eg, 310) may be adapted to transmit not only user rights information but also user preference information to a remote electronic device, in particular to a smart card associated with the remote electronic device. the

The master card (eg, 130) may also include a programming block (eg, 320) adapted to transmit an application program to a remote electronic device, in particular to a smart card associated with the remote electronic device. the

The master card (eg, 130) may also include a control block (eg, 330) adapted to transmit application commands to a remote electronic device, in particular to a smart card associated with the remote electronic device. the

The master card (eg, 130) may also include a radio communication unit for communicating with a remote electronic device, specifically with a smart card associated to the remote electronic device, specifically via ZigBee ^™ technology.

The master card (eg, 130 ) may also include a radio proximity detector associated to the radio coverage space and adapted to detect a remote electronic device (specifically, a smart card associated with the remote electronic device) when within the radio coverage space. the

The master card according to the invention may include other features; for example, typically, a card 130, which includes at least the basic features of a phone SIM or USIM, such as operator network authentication functionality. the

In general, according to the present invention, a slave card (eg, 140) is a smart card adapted to be associated to a local home electronic device (eg, 150) for broadcast reception; it includes a configuration block (eg, 410) adapted to for receiving and storing user rights information from the remote electronic device (e.g., 120), specifically from a smart card (e.g., 130) associated to the remote electronic device, and adapted to use the received information to autonomously enjoy the broadcast communication services. the

The configuration block (eg, 410) may be adapted to receive user preference information also from the remote electronic device, in particular, from a smart card associated with the remote electronic device. the

The slave card (eg, 140) may also include a programming block (eg, 420) adapted to receive an application program from a remote electronic device, in particular, from a smart card associated with the remote electronic device. the

The slave card (eg, 140) may also include a control block (eg, 430) adapted to receive application commands from a remote electronic device, in particular, from a smart card associated with the remote electronic device. the

The slave card (eg, 140) may be further adapted to transmit the received application and/or said received command to an associated local electronic device (eg, 150). the

The slave card (eg, 140 ) may also include a radio communication unit for communicating with a remote electronic device, specifically with a smart card associated to the remote electronic device, specifically via ZigBee ^™ technology.

The slave card (eg, 140) may include a wireless proximity detector associated with the radio coverage space and for detecting a remote electronic device, specifically a smart card associated with the remote electronic device when within the radio coverage space. the

A slave card according to the invention may include other features; for example, similar to card 140, it includes certain features of a TV smart card, such as user rights database, user rights verification and video stream key generation. the

It should be understood that once the user rights information is transferred from the master card to the slave card, the slave card has the minimum information necessary to allow the associated electronic device to autonomously enjoy broadcasted communication services in a normal manner without further assistance from the master card. the

Claims (18)

1. a method that is used to enjoy broadcasted communication service comprises the following steps:

A) provide and can utilize user right information to receive broadcasted communication service and enjoy its electronic equipment,

It is B) apparatus card is related with said electronic equipment,

C) mobile telephone terminal is provided,

D) it is related with said mobile telephone terminal to have stored the subscriber card of user right information,

E) when said mobile telephone terminal is positioned near said electronic equipment, be transferred to said electronic equipment from said mobile telephone terminal to the said user right information of major general,

F) said information transmitted is stored in the said electronic equipment, and

G) utilize said information transmitted, receive and enjoy said broadcasted communication service,

It is characterized in that said subscriber card and said apparatus card comprise the radio communication unit that is used for communicating each other separately, and the said transmission of said user right information is carried out between said subscriber card and said apparatus card directly.

2. method according to claim 1, wherein, said information transmitted is stored in the said apparatus card.

3. method according to claim 1 further comprises the following steps:

H) the radio near detector is provided for said electronic equipment, said radio near detector is associated with the radio covering space, and when being positioned at said radio covering space, is suitable for surveying mobile telephone terminal.

4. method according to claim 1, wherein, said step e provides wireless transmission.

5. method according to claim 1, wherein, said radio communication unit is through ZigBee ^TMTechnical work.

6. method according to claim 1 further comprises the following steps:

I) when said mobile telephone terminal is not near said electronic equipment, delete or forbid said information transmitted.

7. method according to claim 1, wherein, said user right information comprises one or more decruption keys.

8. method according to claim 1, wherein, said user right information comprises user identity and/or user credit and/or user validation.

9. method according to claim 1, wherein, said step e is the transmission user preference information also.

10. method according to claim 1, wherein, said step e is transfer application also.

11. method according to claim 1, wherein, said step e is to the application transfer application command of in said electronic equipment, moving.

12. method according to claim 1, wherein, said broadcasted communication service is the TV programme of broadcasting.

13. method according to claim 1, wherein, said electronic equipment and said mobile telephone terminal are enjoyed same broadcast communication services simultaneously.

14. method according to claim 1 further comprises the following steps:

L) Return Channel of foundation from the electronic equipment to the broadcast service provider;

Wherein, the Return Channel path comprises and said mobile telephone terminal related user card, mobile telephone terminal and mobile telephone network at least.

15. one kind is suitable for the smart card related with local electronic equipment; Its storage user right information also comprises radio communication unit and the configuration block that is used to carry out radio communication; Said configuration block is suitable for launching the user right information of said storage through said radio communication unit to the used radio communication unit of radio communication of the smart card that is associated with the devices in remote electronic that is used to carry out broadcast reception, and the information of said emission is suitable for and is enough to supply said devices in remote electronic to be used for independently enjoying broadcasted communication service about the smart card that is associated with said local electronic equipment.

16. smart card according to claim 15 comprises the carrier network authentication function of telephone subscriber's module at least.

17. one kind is suitable for and the related smart card of local home electronics that is used for broadcast reception; Comprise the radio communication unit and the configuration block that are used to carry out radio communication; Said configuration block is suitable for receiving and storage user right information from the used radio communication unit of the radio communication of the smart card that is associated with devices in remote electronic, and is suitable for using the said information that receives to allow said local home electronics independently to enjoy broadcast communication services about said devices in remote electronic.

18. smart card according to claim 17 comprises that the user right of television set intelligently card is verified and video flowing key systematic function.

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